When high school football is discussed in Eastern North Carolina, New Bern and Havelock are typically in the middle of the debate.

The New Bern Bears (7-0, 2-0 Mideastern) are ranked second in the most recent Associated Press 4-A football poll. The Havelock Rams (7-1, 4-0 Coastal) are ranked third in the 3-A poll.

Combined, the CravenCounty rivals will send three to December’s prestigious Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star football game in Spartanburg, S.C.

Havelock’s Pharoh Cooper and A.J. Coplon, along with New Bern’s Christian Matau were selected on Wednesday to compete in the game.

“It’s a big game for high school players, after their regular season,” said Coplon. “I’m going to showcase my cover skills and my speed.”

The Shrine Bowl, in its 76th year, pits the best 44 players from North Carolina against the top players from South Carolina.

The game will be played on Dec. 15 at Gibbs Stadium.

The athletes attended a Shrine Bowl combine in the offseason, and then many of them were called back for tryouts.

They had to go through speed and agility drills and strength tests.

“When I went to the Shrine Bowl tryouts, I met a lot of big name athletes in North Carolina,” Matau said. “It was a great experience to learn from them, and the coaches. I am taking in all I can.”

Cooper, Havelock’s quarterback, committed to the University of South Carolina as a defensive back. At the Shrine Bowl, he will be in the

secondary with his teammate, Coplon, who has an offer from East Carolina.

Cooper said he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, while the speedy Coplon was clocked at 4.34 seconds.

“It’s going to be a great experience,” Cooper said. “There are going to be a lot of college Division I athletes in that game, so it’s going to prepare me for the best.”

Cooper has passed for 1,661 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, while running for 795 yards and 12 scores. Coplon, a wide receiver/defensive back, has 213 receiving yards, two interceptions and two punt returns for a touchdown.

“I’m excited for (the Shrine Bowl),” Coplon said. “I’m ready to play. I’m looking forward to playing against better competition.”

Matau, a 6-foot-3, 305-pound left tackle, has been one of the anchors on New Bern’s offensive line. The Bears have rushed for more than 200 yards per game, and scoring more than 45 points.

The East Carolina commit is ready to see where he stacks up against the best from the two states. He said he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.25 seconds, and bench-pressed 185 pounds 23 times.

“I feel like I am right up there with them,” Matau said. “I might not have as many offers as them, but I feel like I can hang with them. I work just as hard as anybody else.”

The Shrine Bowl is more than just the football game. The players will have mixers, listen to guest speakers and visit the Shriner’s Hospital.

“It’s going to be great giving back to the community and getting to play some football,” Cooper said. “It’s going to be a fun experience and I am looking forward to it.”